Total E & P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) has shut down its gas production at Obite in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema local Government area of River State following what it called a "technical problem".[/size]
OML 58 as the Obite gas production facilities is called, is a concession operated by TEPNG on behalf old NNPC/Total joint venture.[/font]
[/size]The company confirmed yesterday that water and gas resurgence points observed in an uninhabited area close to the onshore facilities suggested a technical incident that occurred during drilling operations on the same site, on March 20th.
[/size]No injuries were reported but operations had to be shut down while a special task force has been in place with the support of well-control experts in order to implement technical solutions to resolve the situation.
[/size]It said it "is working in close collaboration with representatives of the Egi community who reside in the vicinity of the facilities and also with the Nigerian authorities. All necessary means to ensure the protection of nearby communities and personnel and to limit the impact on the environment have been immediately mobilized. Strict monitoring of the environment is ongoing and a safety perimeter has been established. Domestic water analysis and air quality controls are being processed on a daily basis and have not revealed any presence of hydrocarbons or toxic elements."
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